Eight Crucial Life Skills and How to Implement Them

Learning essential life skills requires the attention of well-trained and experienced special education educators, family, and support members. The list below summarizes what we feel are the crucial skill sets for an individual to work on to obtain a level of independence and life satisfaction that is within their reach. That is our mission.

Let us begin with a list of eight life skills that we feel are essential for our students:

1

Self-care – These are daily routines that must be created and rehearsed. They include personal daily hygiene, proper nutrition, exercise, getting dressed, and table manners.

2

Prevocational – Being asked "What do you want to be when you grow up?" is a luxury we take for granted, along with many of the skills required to realize our dreams. Special needs children must be taught how to look, apply and interview for a job. This cannot be assumed, nor can it be assumed that they will understand what is required of them.

3

Vocational – Once they do start working, our students will need to apply the behaviors we have taught them. They will have to follow directions, be punctual, understand how to work with those in management and be team players.

4

Daily Living – Regardless of their prospects of employment, our children rely on us to send them out into the world with practical living skills. Their safety is of the utmost concern, whether they are traveling or at home. An example would be how well they understand how to operate an oven or other electrical appliance safely. Also, they must be able to care for their home, save money and shop for themselves.

5

Community – Children with special needs challenges will end up in a wide variety of community environments; as a result, the development of social skills are necessary to better serve their growth over time.

6

Math – You may be thinking how challenging this subject is to you. You may be right. However, if you can count money or tell time, you can count those as further luxuries you take for granted. These are real-life decision-making skills that must be passed on to our students.

7

Shopping – Now we're talking about having fun, right? Maybe but we cannot assume that our young ones will know how to create a shopping list or use their money to purchase what they need.

8

Cooking and Laundry – These are skills that set a foundation for self-sufficiency. While it may seem reasonable to not have to go through the struggles of teaching them these skills at home, for their lifelong benefit, learning how to cook even the smallest of meals will lead to a feeling of empowerment for them as well as liberation some of the responsibilities as parent/caregiver.

Our life skills routine is established from day one. All students are taught to follow directions and enabling them the importance of gaining someone’s attention before speaking to them. Even at recess, life skills continue to be taught, from sharing to teamwork and understanding rules. Personal accountability is the framework we set for our children. They must respect property, their own and that of others. We try to support the student to complete the required task in a timely manner. Calendars and other methods of keeping track are not only used by students. We rely on them regularly ourselves!

Harbor School a private special education school in Monmouth County, New Jersey

Our mission at Harbor School is to help all of our special needs students with learning, social, language, behavioral, and other disabilities. Our highly skilled staff are committed daily to helping each student reach their full potential.

We would be more than happy to discuss your child's specific needs and challenges, so please call us at 732.544.9394, or request a tour at Harbor School in Eatontown, NJ. We are located just minutes off of the Garden State Parkway at exit 105 and conveniently located off of Route 35 and Route 36 in Monmouth County, NJ.

Testimonials

Harbor uses the IEP as a baseline, but then provides whatever program/therapy is needed for each child, whether it is written into the IEP or not.Harbor School Parent M. Riegelman

One has to truly experience Harbor to truly understand its unique qualities and abilities to meet the needs of our children. It is a remarkable place.Harbor School Parent T. Addeo

I must take time out to express my sincere gratitude to each one of you for enhancing my life and the life of my daughter.Harbor School Parent • A. Allora

It is a pleasure to work with the school personnel, it is problem-free, and the students get exactly what they need.Neptune City CST • D. Feld

We find that Harbor School is a wonderful placement for our students. The staff is cooperative, friendly and go out of their way to help parents, CST members, and students feel comfortable.Belmar CST • T. Hennessy

Ben lives a fuller life since coming to Harbor School. They have nurtured his social skills through activities such as swimming, bowling, and shopping. We know that they are working as hard as we are.Harbor School Parent • A.Dobin

Harbor School is a truly special place. You feel the warmth as soon as you enter the front doors. The children are happy and I have seen them grow emotionally, physically, and educationally over the years. The staff are very competent and caring professionals who treat each child as if they were their own.School Psychologist, Long Branch • M. Robinson